Large Scale Central

Contest proposal

General Discussion
#1

I think Mik had a great idea with his challenge. We had several projects spurred and increased
the modeling content of the forum. Very positive results.

So my proposal is a quarterly contest…maybe just a tad more organized. Shoot for a Spring start.

A different category each quarter. Maybe structures one quarter, rolling stock another, etc.

Have an entry deadline and require informal plans and a “rough” materials list.
Limit materials to $100…whether purchased or “on hand”. IE, if you’re starting with an $80 flat car, you only have $20 to work with.
Of course, if we’re doing locomotives, we would have to increase the amount.

We’d have to have Bob set up a place where contestants can post their entry and add to it later without others being able to comment.
And, of course, a “poll” where we can vote, and comment.

I’d be willing to organize, as well as hunt sponsors.
Of course, this would all depend on what Bob thinks and what he could do to make the forum “contest friendly”.

So, what does everybody think? Good, bad, what?
Ralph

#2

I think its agreat idea. Quartley would be fine. I think this will motivate people to build things that they have been wanting but never got to it. Maybe set up two catagories begginers and intermidiate. I would set the price limited based off of what is being built. I really liked Miks idea at keeping the pice at $10 that, was a great idea. It made us think harder and forces one to recycle more (we are helping the environment at the same time by reusing what you have)

#3

Grand idea… as long as I’m not the only one who has to plan the contests and buy the prizes it works for me!

The only trouble with build logs is remembering to stop and take pictures, as for ‘plans’… I rarely do even rough pencil sketches… maybe a cat scan of my hollow melon would do?. Still, requiring 5-10 ‘in process’ pictures wouldn’t be that onerous.

I’d suggest dividing the entries into beginner, intermediate, and unlimited categories. Beginner is limited to 2 maybe 3 contest entries before upgrading to intermediate. Wanna spend over $x? … then you go into unlimited and play with the big boys.

To keep it a bit challenging, perhaps have someone who isn’t likely to be a participant (Bob’s wife? The newest member?) pick the subject category the night before the contest starts. perhaps use the old tried and true slips of paper out of a hat, or pick a number between 1 and x method…

A ‘contest entry’ forum that only automatically locks each single post without allowing responses shouldn’t be too hard to set up… Depends on the software Bob uses. And if he wants the headache.

Some were inspired by the 2 week window… others figured that they couldn’t do it, so didn’t start. A few others got caught by the clock. IMO a month is too long. Perhaps 21 days to build and a week for voting would be more ‘fair’?

Upping the material allowance to $15 or $20, and maybe $75 for locomotives (even the most basic detail castings and a brick will send you bumping that ceiling very fast) would make it easier for some, yet possibly discourage the ‘po folks’ from trying. Finding a sponsor to supply discount motor bricks and trucks might help a little.

A challenge where each contestant got a prepackaged bag of miscellaneous parts and had to build SOMETHING using only those contents, glue, putty, paint and their imagination could be fun, too. Or even one where you had to start from a certain supplied item. But then we’d have to leave extra time for the mail, charge materials and postage, and it probably still wouldn’t be very fair to our overseas members if it got stuck in customs or they had to pay VAT on it.

#4

I was thinking with a quarterly contest, two months to build, one month to vote.

Some of us don’t have the big parts or materials stash. That’s why I suggested the $100 limit.

I’d like to keep it simple. Separate categories for skill level over complicates things. Who would judge who has what skill level?

I think with a quarterly contest I could line up a sponsor for each contest and get some worthwhile prizes.

We’ll see if Bob chimes in.
Ralph

How about limiting tools to simple carpentry, mechanical tools most that most of us have? Hard to compete with things like laser cutters.

#5

Great Idea Mik & Ralph… I didn’t know LSC had any contest or rules… But love to get something up for a contest… You know how we like to build things in all scales… Course we love animation stuff. But that a difference animal.
I think it a great idea just to take scraps and do something with them or add to a rail car to make someting difference… Any way great idea … Noel

#6

I think that you will find that contests are elitist and divisive .
We can all admire work posted without having to think a, b, c etc.
It is as elitist as having a master modelling class .

Mike

#7

I had always thought that a “round robin” contest might be interesting.

A build something for C, C for B, etc.

Would be cause for one to expand horizons and the 7/8n2 guys do it already.

Food for thought…or chaff?

#8
Noel Wilson said:
Great Idea Ralph... I didn't know LSC had any contest or rules... But love to get something up for a contest.. You know how we like to build things in all scales.. Course we love animation stuff. But that a difference animal. I think it a great idea just to take scraps and do something with them or add to a rail car to make someting difference.. Any way great idea Ralph.. Noel
Noel, Mik came up with a scratch build challenge. He came up with some "rules" for his challenge and the results were very impressive. I just think it would be cool to do it on a regular basis.

Mike,
The idea is to spur involvement in modeling. There were several that built and shared, that might not have done so.
And there were those that built a project, just for the contest. We were graced with a half dozen projects that might not have been,
but for the contest.
Ralph

#9

Spurring involvement in modelling may be a big price to pay for something that could (and has in some places) cause arguments to break out , and possibly stop some posting pictures because it becomes judgemental .
I have seen two perfectly good model clubs fold after “model of the month” was introduced .
It is also likely that the spirit of the competition is spoiled by not quite sticking to the “rules”.
For example , I am retired and in 14 days can produce a quite complex model ----and have done , as you could see if I could get my pictures out of the Freight Shed . The average working chap has nowhere near the free time I have . That is against the spirit of what you intend , I think .
I think that you may find problems .

Mike

#10

Mike M. I agree with you on

I think that you will find that contests are elitist and divisive .
We can all admire work posted without having to think a, b, c etc.
It is as elitist as having a master modelling class .

Up to the master modeling class.
I for one learn from those who have honed their skills. I do not believe that makes them better that myself, but gives me a goal of sorts to aim for in my own model work.

Dave M

#11
Mike Morgan said:
Spurring involvement in modelling may be a big price to pay for something that could (and has in some places) cause arguments to break out , and possibly stop some posting pictures because it becomes judgemental . I have seen two perfectly good model clubs fold after "model of the month" was introduced . It is also likely that the spirit of the competition is spoiled by not quite sticking to the "rules". For example , I am retired and in 14 days can produce a quite complex model ----and have done , as you could see if I could get my pictures out of the Freight Shed . The average working chap has nowhere near the free time I have . That is against the spirit of what you intend , I think . I think that you may find problems .

Mike


Mike,
Time is one reason I didn’t enter Mik’s challenge. Which is why I proposed 2 months to build, 1 month to vote.
I think 2 months gives those of us who work plenty of time.

Sure, someone can cheat. But I think most of us can tell if the dollar limit is grossly exceeded.
And I believe Mik’s challenge went off rather smoothly, and did so on very short notice.
Ralph

#12

Mike, me boyo. It might surprise you, but I already considered most of your objections before you raised them. These gentleman didn’t cut each other’s throats to win some ‘prize’. Most. like me, did it for the sheer enjoyment of finding out if they could. That’s part of the reason NO prizes were promised during the contest.

ANY contest depends on the participants. If they are thin skinned, immature, narcissic, egotistical and general all around assholes, then of course you’ll have your nightmare scenario. If it’s simply a friendly, good natured rivalry, with not much more than a dollar store trophy on the line, then it is a bad thing, how? We used the honor system, people without honor will always be around, and try to flaunt the rules others live by - But what IS the point of ‘cheating’ – if the only person you’re actually cheating is yourself?.. People will catch on, and simply not vote for your next model – or buy anything from you – or invite you over to their next bbq… the natural consequences of being a jerk.

I think most of the people here are bigger than that. Well, most of the time.

Hobbies are supposed to be about fun. When the contests get to the point they aren’t fun, people will stop participating. Bob won’t put up with people being arrogant jerks forever either, and would pull the plug first… just like with the politics thing.

If there’s another contest, and I have time, I’ll enter. Not for some ‘prize’, rather for the learning experience and camaraderie.

But don’t worry, IF we do it again, AND should you deign to compete with us mere mortals, we PROMISE not to hold the fact that you seem to enjoy being abrasive and negative about everyone and everything you disagree with the rest of the time against your model. K?

My 2c, nothing more. Have a grand day

#13
David Marconi said:
Mike M. I agree with you on

I think that you will find that contests are elitist and divisive .
We can all admire work posted without having to think a, b, c etc.
It is as elitist as having a master modelling class .

Up to the master modeling class.
I for one learn from those who have honed their skills. I do not believe that makes them better that myself, but gives me a goal of sorts to aim for in my own model work.

Dave M


Dave,
If you think contests are elitist and divisive, why did you submit an entry to Mik’s challenge?
They can be divisive…if someone has a bad attitude. If that’s the case, they are likely to be causing problems anyway.
Ralph

#14

Mik , how is it that every other post of yours is offensive ?
As a Grown Up Modeller , I gave proper consideration to what I wrote , not a knee jerk (emphasis on jerk)
reaction . Give yourself time to think before you snarl at the keyboard and try to give a non-divisive reply .

Mike , by no means your bhoy

#15
Mike Morgan said:
Mik , how is it that every other post of yours is offensive ? As a Grown Up Modeller , I gave proper consideration to what I wrote , not a knee jerk (emphasis on jerk) reaction . Give yourself time to think before you snarl at the keyboard and try to give a non-divisive reply .

Mike , by no means your bhoy


They aren’t, and it wasn’t. and I did. All I did was to backhand return YOUR attitude volley BACK at you, with a little old-fashioned sarcastic Yankee humorous spin, which you either missed, haven’t learned to appreciate, or chose to ignore. If you want people to always play nice with you, try to play nice first ALL the time. I would have included a smilie in my response, but none quite seemed to fit.

Right now, I think I’ll go sort through some scrap boxes, eat a little spaghetti, and then maybe have a little cuddle with Kim… Maybe you should try it? (I’ll share the ghetti, but you’ll have to find your own girl).

Again, have a grand day

#16

Oh , dear .
How divisive , bringing race into it too . Tut tut .

Mike

#17
Mik said:
ANY contest depends on the participants. If they are thin skinned, immature, narcissic, egotistical and general all around assholes...
Well that pretty much defines this group. Should make it fun! :lol: :lol: :lol:

-Brian

#18

Ah yes,
Things are getting spicey, and we don’t even have a contest yet.
With the doom and gloom talk, we probably never will.

I understand where Mik’s coming from. Try to do something for everyone, and there is always that one
person trying to throw a money wrench in the works.

No one would be forced to participate. And prizes would likely be modest. If somebody wants to cheat and spend $200
to win a $25 gift certificate, it’s their loss.
Ralph

#19

Dave,
If you think contests are elitist and divisive, why did you submit an entry to Mik’s challenge?
They can be divisive…if someone has a bad attitude. If that’s the case, they are likely to be causing problems anyway.
Ralph

Taking it the way I believe Mike presented it, normally a contest offers a form of reward i.e. cash, trophy, ribbon, and these can become elitist, I’m better than you, etc.
Divisive as you point out.

AS said “normally”. This contest offered nothing more than a good time and a common thread amongst the participants and gallery, in other words all who built or just looked at the builds.I enjoy showing my work to others. I enjoy their input on my builds,as you know, as it lets me look at my work from a different perspective. I wouldn’t have put dormers on if it hadn’t been for others.I also learn from what others do so I disagree about the master modelling class. When a well skilled artisan wants to show me how to do something that I’d like to learn how to do I don’t see anything elitist about it.He knows what he’s doing and I’m learning.

Bottom line is I enjoy building and showing. I know I’m more skilled then some, and I know I fall far behind others abilities.That doesn’t make me better or worse than others. I don’t desire anything more than an atta-boy once in a while and every so often an Oh Sh** just to keep me level headed.

#20
Mike Morgan said:
Oh , dear . How divisive , bringing race into it too . Tut tut .

Mike


Which race? Daytona? Indianapolis? LeMans? The Iditerod? The Boston Marathon perhaps?

Or do you mean the fact that we’re two people’s separated by a common language?

My Gram’s Gram sang for Queen Victoria when she was a schoolgirl. Some of the rest were kicked off their lands by English landlords during the Irish potato famines. I don’t hold either against you. The only gripe I have with your country is that I can’t see “Doctor Who” online because of the screwy way BBC in America is set up. Your attitude is yours alone.